UK is 3-0 in its past three games despite trailing by at least 12 points in each of those contests.
KNOXVILLE – January 17, 2026 – Bradley Charles
It wasn’t always pretty, but it sure had a sweet ending for BBN. The Cats defeated No. 24 Tennessee 80-78 despite trailing the Volunteers by as many as 17 points.
UK’s first lead came with 0:34 remaining in the game off a fastbreak-layup by Otega Oweh. Kentucky would retain the possession as Mo Dioubate rebounded Oweh’s missed free throw. Denzel Aberdeen connected on a layup with 0:16 to play, which would become the winning basket.
Five Wildcats scored in double figures, but it was Aberdeen that led UK in scoring with 22 points. The Orlando, Fla., native was 7-of-11 from the floor, 3-of-6 from 3-PT range, and 5-of-6 from the free-throw line in 29 minutes of playing time.
Oweh, Jasper Johnson, and Collin Chandler each tallied 12 points. Johnson and Chandler were a combined 9-of-12 from the floor and 6-of-9 from 3-point range. Dioubate tallied 10 points.
UK won the bench points category 36-22 as Johnson, Chandler, and Dioubate did not start for the Cats. Kentucky tallied 13 offensive rebounds in the second half, while going 6-of-10 from 3-PT range. UK had just one offensive rebound in the first half.
Kentucky scored on 71.0% of its possessions in the second half, while committing a turnover on just 3.2% of possessions.
The Cats are now 12-6 (3-2 SEC) this season, while Tennessee is 12-6 (2-3 SEC.) Up next for Kentucky is a home game against Texas on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 7:00 p.m.